Ross Cameron Hart

I was born and grew up in the area - my family has served the legal needs of the area since 1892, over 120 years. My goal is to explain the legal process in plain English and to avoid the 'technical lawyer words' which only confuse many people. The primary focus of my firm is now "Elder Law" which broadly includes estate planning, Nursing Home admissions and Medicaid applications and adult guardianship. After a family member dies, we advise and assist in the estate administration process. In short, we help families plan and deal with aging and death and navigating the legal system.

Elder Law

Probate

Probate Administration, Probate Litigation, Will Contests

Estate Planning

Guardianship & Conservatorship, Health Care Directives, Trusts, Wills

Real Estate Law

Commercial Real Estate, Condominiums, Easements, Eminent Domain, Homeowners Association, Land Use & Zoning, Mortgages, Neighbor Disputes, Residential Real Estate, Water Law

Business Law

Business Contracts, Business Dissolution, Business Finance, Business Formation, Business Litigation, Franchising, Mergers & Acquisitions, Partnership & Shareholder Disputes

Virginia

Since 1976

4th Circuit

Since 1981

Owner/President

Hart & Hart Attorneys Ltd

1976 - Current

Family firm begun by my grandfather and his brother (Hon. John L. Hart) in 1892

University of Virginia School of Law

J.D. (1976)

1973 - 1976

Monmouth College

B.A. (1973) | Business Adm

1969 - 1973

SuperLawyer

SuperLawyers

2019

Recognition of top 5% of lawyers in field of law

Chapter Member of Year

Virginia Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (VAELA)

2018

VAELA is a group of around 200 lawyers focusing on Elder Law; award recognizes member of chapter who contributes time, expertise, etc. for the chapter and other members.

Pro-bono Award, 2008 (23rd Circuit)

Virginia State Bar

2008

Award for pro-bono (low income clients)

NAELA

MEMBER

2008 - Current

Virginia Academy Elder Law Attorneys

Director

2008 - Current

Salem/Roanoke County Bar Ass'n

Member

2004 - Current

Virginia State Bar

Member

1976 - Current

Q. I gave 45 days notice to terminate a month to month lease so I can move back in. Is tenant protected under moratorium?

18 January 2021

A: My understanding is that the moratorium is only for non-payment of rent. Any other reason (not money) for termination of a lease is still valid. I suggest you contact an experienced landlord tenant lawyer in that area for advice.

Q. If I need to move back into a property I just rented. Been 6 months, lease is for 12. Can I give a 60 day notice?

8 January 2021

A: Probably not. You agreed to a year and the tenant relied on that. Turning it around, would you let the tenant break the lease if they wanted/needed to move?

Q. Can a non executor close the bank account of someone who is deceased?

5 January 2021

A: Mr. Sternberg is correct - if the account had joint ownership or survivorship then the individual named - even if also the executor - could close it. Also, if the estate was below $50,000 it falls under the 'small estate act' provisions of Virginia law and no formal administration (court papers) are needed. There is a provision that money in a joint account can be reclaimed by an executor if certain conditions are present (typically more debts than other assets being available to cover them). That provision is very technical and a lawyer should assist.